IUD

What is it?

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small T-shaped plastic and copper device that is inserted into your womb by a specially trained health professional. There are various types and sizes available. Depending on the type, an IUD can last from three to 10 years. It used to be called a coil.

The IUD is a long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) method. This means that once it is in place, you do not have to think about contraception every day or each time you have sex. You can use an IUD whether or not you have had children.

How does it work?

The IUD works by preventing sperm from surviving in the cervix, womb or fallopian tubes. It may also prevent a fertilised egg from implanting in the womb.   

How effective is it? 

IUDs are more than 99% effective. This means that less than one in every 100 women who use one of the new IUDs will become pregnant in one year.

Added benefits?

• An IUD is effective as soon as it is put in.
• It can be removed at any time by a specially trained health professional. You will quickly return to normal levels of fertility.

What else should I know?

• Changes to your periods are common in the first three to six months after an IUD is put in, but they are likely to go down after this. It can make your periods heavier, longer or more painful, and you might get spotting or bleeding between periods. Heavy bleeding can be treated, so talk to your doctor or nurse about this.
• There is a very small chance of infection within 20 days of the IUD being fitted.
• There is a risk that your body may spontaneously expel it.

• If you get pregnant, there is an increased risk of having an ectopic pregnancy (when the egg implants outside the womb, for example, in the fallopian tube). But because pregnancy is very unlikely, the overall risk of ectopic pregnancy is lower than in women who do not use contraception.
• Having the IUD put in can be uncomfortable. You may want to use pain-relieving drugs or a local anaesthetic. Ask the doctor or nurse about this.
• An IUD may not be suitable for you if you have had previous pelvic infections.

By using condoms as well as the IUD, you will help to protect yourself against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).